How many books have you decided to read this year? I have committed to reading 12 business or personal development books this year. Hold me accountable!
Wow! I just finished Energy Leadership by Dr. Bruce D. Schneider and learned SO much about myself. I read this book because Dr. Schneider is the founder of IPEC , the coaching school I will be attending starting in March. However, my takeaway after reading the book was so profound! I know now more than ever, this is the school I was supposed to attend to receive my certification.
This book is written as a fable, as some of the best business books are. He tells the story of Richard, the founder of O’Connell Consulting Group. Things are pretty dismal when Dr. Schneider arrives on the scene due to lack of leadership and Level 1 Energy reactions. The company is about ready to close after losing one of its biggest clients and morale is at an all-time low.
There are many great authors who talk about the levels of energy and their impact on our day-to-day lives, but I will focus on Dr. Schneider’s energy chart, referred to as the I Chart. (Get it? Eye Chart, I Chart?) You can find the I Chart here.
There are seven levels of Energy characterized here by the mentality and response and three circles of awareness:
Circle 1: self (all in lower case on purpose)
Level 1: Victim. I lose.
Level 2: Conflict. You lose.
Circle 2: self-mastery
Level 3: Choice. I win.
Level 4: Compassion. You win.
Level 5: Reconciliation. We both win
Circle 3: self-transcendence
Level 6: Synthesis. Everyone always wins.
Level 7: Absolute passion. Winning and losing are illusions.
I know this may seem very foreign if you never explored energy levels, so let me try to explain.
At the lowest level of energy, we act from a victim mentality. Every reaction and decision we make comes from the fact we believe we lose. ENERGY IS REAL! When we act from a place of loss, as in the victim mentality, we attract more of the same. We lose because we constantly expect to.
The next level is a little better because at least now you are fighting for what you want, but it is still a “self” energy level. At this level, your desire is to win no matter the outcome. A very low energy level. This level is very reactionary and focused on self-preservation.
The third level moves you into the first anabolic state. (Anabolic energy is constructive where catabolic (levels 1 & 2) are destructive.) This is where we start to see growth. You are still judging at this level, but you are more willing to work with those around you. Your main desire is still to win and if someone happens to win with you, great.
Level Four is where we start to see remarkable changes in energy. We no longer hold on to judgment and resentment. We are ready to make decisions based on the greater good of those with whom we engage.
When we reach the next level, we have gained a new understanding. We no longer view actions as right or wrong, but as opportunities for improvement. In his book, Dr. Schneider says,
“Instead of making you passive, energetic acceptance produces something quite different. You accept the natural process of living that constitutes human existence. As a result, you no longer try to control life, and a paradox now presents itself. Because you’ve let go of your need to control, for the first time you actually gain it.”
When one has reached Level Six, we are almost there. This is the level where everyone wins and all is joy.
Level Seven is the precipice. We cannot reside here long as it is too much for our human nature. However, it is important we tap into this spiritual level regularly to gain clarity and turn our ideas into reality quickly.
I am so grateful I will be attending this school after reading this book because I know I have only scratched the surface. Stay tuned for more updates!
Check out the I Chart and let me know your energy level. After reading the book, mine was DEFINITELY not what I originally thought it was!
Now go read, #Bookworm!
